Ashley Tan

Ashley Tan

Born and bred in Singapore, Ashley is a writer who has served as a judge for The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition and as the editor-in-chief of an international history and politics publication. She is most drawn to stories pertaining to international affairs, gender parity and social justice, and is currently pursuing a dual degree between Columbia University and the Paris Institute of Political Studies.

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Articles by Ashley Tan

Dec 31, 2020 • 8 min read
Multiculturalism

A minority within minorities: Growing up as an African-Singaporean

In Singapore, people are divided into four main racial groups – Chinese, Malay, Indian and “Others”. But in an increasingly modern and diverse city-state, many people of mixed heritage, among them African-Singaporeans, don't feel they fall into neat racial categories
By Ashley Tan - Dec 31, 2020

Dec 11, 2020 • 8 min read
Covid-19

Filmmaker casts light on Singapore’s sex workers under lockdown

In squeaky clean Singapore, the reality of life for the city-state's thousands of sex workers remains an under-told story. As part of this year's FreedomFilmFest, director Jessica Lee hopes to shed light on the lives sustaining this murky industry under lockdown
By Ashley Tan - Dec 11, 2020

Jul 24, 2020 • 8 min read
Commentary

Dear Singapore, here are five things I never knew about you till GE2020

With the 2020 General Election passing with a resounding – if a little less resounding than in previous years – victory for the ruling People's Action Party, Singaporean student Ashley Tan reflects on what these polls have taught her about the city-state
By Ashley Tan - Jul 24, 2020

Jun 04, 2020 • 8 min read
Analysis

The importance and power of the arts during a global pandemic

Art is so often regarded as non-essential and frivolous, an indulgence reserved for times of ease and comfort. But for Singaporean student Ashley Tan, this global pandemic has highlighted the importance and centrality of the medium in all of our lives
By Ashley Tan - Jun 04, 2020